Nayanamritham to control blindness due to diabetic retinopathy

Problem Statement

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a common complication which can lead to total loss of vision. For DR effective treatment is possible if the condition is detected in the early stages. To address this problem, the state has introduced a new initiative “NAYANAMRITHAM’’ to control blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.

Programme Description

The DR screening was done using a hand held Non mydriatic Camera capable of taking fundus photograph for the diagnosis and stages of diabetic retinopathy. This training was first given to staff Nurses.

The captured image is transmitted to a state retinopathy centre located in the RIO, manned by trained Optometrists to evaluate the picture and send back the diagnosis and advice on management. ASHAs play an active role in identifying the diabetic patients in the community and encouraging them to take part in the screening programme.

The screening is implemented in the newly established family health centres including eight primary centres, thre secondary centres and one tertiary care centres in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, targeting financially backward communities.

In the process of expanding the screening programme throughout the state, 52 Non mydriatic cameras were procured and installed at the selected FHCs/HWCs and approval was received for procuring 100 more cameras in ROP 19-20. 100 cameras will be supplied in November 2019 to the remaining districts. Total 14 state of Art Non mydriatic cameras were supplied to all state district hospitals from state Plan fund. State is planning to include retinopathy screening in all the family health centres.

Programme Outcomes

Till 7th July 2019, 5190 of patient were screened at the FHCs & Suspected DR & other eye diseases diagnosed through screening are 1206. A total of 38 laser treatments were done. A total of 53 staff nurses, 31 doctors and 425 ASHAs were trained. Total 33 on-site training sessions for staff nurses were conducted. Percentage of gradable images (in July 2019) are 92.72%.

Scalability

This is an eminently scalable model.

Financial Implications

The cost of one Non-mydriatic camera is Rs. 2.5 lakh.

Source : We Care Coffee Table Book - Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices 2019